How to look up a law from 20 years ago?

[shage]

I am in California. I am needing the exact wording of a regulation from the business code as it was in 1997. Is there a way to look this up online? TIA

[zoobie]

Using Westlaw or Lexis, yes, easily. Without access to those legal databases, it could be more difficult.

 

Random blog that tells you how with Westlaw:

http://blog.legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.com/legal-research/reference-attorney-tips/westlaw-next-tip-of-the-week-accessing-historical-versions-of-statutes/

 

If you know any law students, they have all access passwords for these. They get you hooked in law school and then charge you when you're practicing. If you're near a law school, the law librarians are usually very helpful. If you want to share the statute, I can try to help you search, but I don't have an unlimited database account. They're ridiculously expensive for small firms.

[HSmomof2]

Our public library has free access to Lexis, so maybe check with your library.

[shage]

Using Westlaw or Lexis, yes, easily. Without access to those legal databases, it could be more difficult.

 

Random blog that tells you how with Westlaw:

http://blog.legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.com/legal-research/reference-attorney-tips/westlaw-next-tip-of-the-week-accessing-historical-versions-of-statutes/

 

If you know any law students, they have all access passwords for these. They get you hooked in law school and then charge you when you're practicing. If you're near a law school, the law librarians are usually very helpful. If you want to share the statute, I can try to help you search, but I don't have an unlimited database account. They're ridiculously expensive for small firms.

I pm'ed you. We have a big city library which I could visit if necessary. Thank you so much for your help!

[shage]

Our public library has free access to Lexis, so maybe check with your library.

Huh. Let me check. Thanks for the idea.